Avalara helps businesses of all sizes achieve compliance with sales tax, excise tax, and other transactional tax requirements by delivering comprehensive, automated, cloud-based solutions that are fast, accurate, and easy to use. Avalara’s end-to-end suite of solutions is designed to effectively manage complicated and burdensome tax compliance obligations imposed by state, local, and other taxing authorities in the United States and internationally.

Avalara offers hundreds of pre-built connectors into leading accounting, ERP, ecommerce and other business applications. The company processes millions of tax transactions for customers and free users every day, files hundreds of thousands of transactional tax returns per year, and manages millions of exemption certificates and other compliance related documents.

Avalara employs more than 750 people at its headquarters on Bainbridge Island, WA and in offices across the U.S. and in London, England and Pune, India.

Jason Warren joined Avalara as a founding employee in 2004. He has be given responsibilities over the last ten years in nearly all aspects of the business; Field Sales, Business Development, Department Launches and Management Level Responsibilities. Co-host of an online compliance series focused on sales and use tax challenges, technologies and legislation. Regional Sales Manager – Responsible for building the southwest region from the ground up for Avalara. Selling the popular AvaTax Connect product for MAS 90, MAS 500, Great Plains, Navision, and QuickBooks. Director, Customer Support Services – Developed (from the ground up) a world-class technical services and support organization. Hiring a team of top notch support analysts to provide customer support and professional services. Customer support specialist for Sage Software’s MAS 90/MAS 200 customer support group. Sales Engineer (Pre-Sales) – Sage Software’s MAS 90/MAS 200 Sales. Assisted in closing sales… assisted Partners and Employees with the technical details of a sale. Sales Representative/Technical consultant for a MAS 90/MAS 200 VAR in the Greater Cleveland Ohio area. Responsible for prospecting, closing business, and implementing accounting systems for several manufacturers and distributors.

Tom is a senior finance executive with a proven track record of delivering results. An energetic, motivated individual, Tom has developed outstanding leadership skills and a strong business acumen to supplement solid financial and risk management fundamentals. Tom is skilled in negotiation and well versed in the transactional aspect (legal, regulatory, etc.) of financial and project management. He is a hands-on contributor with excellent influencing, execution and implementation skills to accomplish overall objectives.

Shaun Olsen is CEO and Founder of CloudWyze, Inc., a communications and technology services company focused on providing the ultimate business technology experience. Through its consultative approach, the company offers comprehensive communications and technology services, cloud-based solutions, 24×7 support, phone and dedicated Internet, assuring business owners complete confidence in their technology.

Olsen is a leader in Wilmington’s tech community, and has been a part of numerous tech startups over the last 15 years. He received a degree in Business Administration from the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, is an active-member of the Center for Entrepreneurial Development, the Cameron Executive Network, as well as a contributor / advisor to a number of other professional organizations within the greater-Wilmington area.

Fred Hathaway understands growth strategies and the tactical execution that creates successful outcomes. Whether advising on higher order decisions (e.g. succession plans, new product launches, diversification through new enterprise development, restructuring business development approaches, client persona identification, organizational and leadership development, or cultural due diligence in a transaction) or tactical issues like social media engagement, investor relations, personal marketing plans and similar, he knows how to take theory and create best practice. Deep experience in consulting and marketing across industries and cultures helps shape the innovation and creativity that his clients appreciate and that distinguish custom solutions from “shelf product” alternatives. Fred demonstrates identification with the client needs through making strategic introductions, negotiating alternative fee arrangements, and working with the existing team of executives and advisers to create “win-win” scenarios on a recurring basis. Some of the projects he has led are listed below:

At the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, he conducted the research that led to the establishment of the Turnaround Management Association, pulling together 8,000+ professionals in the field of business renewal. Fred was integral in the publishing of the research findings in 46 national business publications and the creation of a monograph of best practices.

Under contract with the National Association of Homebuilders, Fred and a co-author wrote Building Up When Business is Down, a definitive discussion of how a builder can identify and respond to warning signals in their business performance. In similar manner, he advised the American Banking Association on how to view loan workouts as turnaround opportunities through quarterly contributions to the Workouts column of The Commercial Lending Review.

While working within a non-profit, Fred and his team grew the volunteer base from 40 to 1000+ in five years, resulting in a 100X increase in number of prospects reached with the programs of the organization. Additionally, the model that was developed for the operation on North Carolina was prototyped for use in similar locations around the world.

As an internal advisor to the executive committee of a CPA firm, Fred rebranded the organization, implemented an e-marketing and CRM platform, and developed and delivered training that resulted in all billable professionals taking responsibility for personally marketing the firm. Subsequent to these accomplishments, he contributed to the institution of a performance and compensation management system that rewarded business development activities.

Within another professional services organization, Fred led the strategic marketing planning associated with a series of transactions that resulted in a regional firm becoming one of the top 50 national firms in their field. Niche practice business development and marketing messaging were coordinated with identification of thought leaders and assignments were given and managed by Hathaway.

In an interim executive role with a consulting firm serving family businesses, Fred launched national accounts strategy that resulted in securing the first billion dollar client as well as faculty appointments at several corporate universities of organizations with extensive dealer/operator networks. A national business talk radio show was conceived, designed, and hosted by Hathaway on the topic of succession planning.

A local non-profit dedicated to helping entrepreneurs commercialize their business ideas was looking for a way to create sustainable competitive advantage. In a volunteer role, Fred advised the group on curriculum-based programs, marketing campaigns, and management team and board development.

Now serving as the managing director of EntreDot, Hathaway has been instrumental in guiding the organization to a national platform whereby virtual learning and application of best practices can occur, thereby giving more businesses the tools to succeed. In addition to the key projects above, Fred Hathaway has served as startup COO, outsourced CMO, Director of Programs, advisory board member, board of directors’ chair, and in an adjunct capacity with numerous enterprises. Whether working on the clock, by the project, or on retainer, he brings a wealth of experience, insight, and energy to each situation.

Brian Chappell is a search and social marketing expert, speaker and consultant. Through Brian’s optimization and lead generation practice, he has helped companies achieve significant multi-million dollar increases in revenue since 2005. Since that time, he has delivered and executed on strategies including search engine optimization, content generation, conversion rate optimization, PPC and social media marketing initiatives as well as customer acquisition strategies such as pre-existing website purchases and vertical takeovers.

Kyle Cyree was born in Dalton, GA but currently calls Carrboro, NC his home. He’s working on an MBA at UNC, where he studies entrepreneurship and anything else he can get his hands on and make time for. Before starting ohSnapp, he spent years in executive positions at startups and in consulting early stage companies. In his free time, he enjoys running long distance, drawing cartoons, and listening to country music as he drives down the back roads of North Carolina to get some fresh ice cream.

Lynn graduated from UNC School of Pharmacy 1990 and has been married to her husband, Nick Holt, for almost 23 years. She has three children – Abby,Zach, and Tyler, and 3 dogs-Ellie, Maggie and Jack. Lynn has worked for various organizations, including WakeMed, NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and now her own Pharmacy , HealhFIRST, which opened in 2005. Lynn specializes in compounding drugs(sterile and non-sterile) and compliance packaging.

Dr. Galland began his career in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine while serving in the United States Navy at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. There he served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, and received numerous awards and commendations for both leadership and excellence in treating the musculoskeletal and sports injuries common among sailors and marines. The broad experience in spor medicine Dr. Galland received during his service in the Navy complemented the training he received at University in his home state of Louisiana.

Dr. Galland demonstrated an early affinity for the treatment of injured athletes during his residency, and trained under renowned sports medicine specialist, Michael Brunet, M.D. The relationship between Dr. Galland and Dr. Brunet had a profound effect on his practice style and approach to complex sports injuries. Dr. Gall had abundant opportunity to refine that approach when he was selected to serve as assistant team physician to both the undefeated Tulane University football team and Tulane men’s basketball team. He also served as team physician to several local high schools and colleges including Dillard and Xavier Universities.

Since joining Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina, Dr. Galland has continued his commitment and dedication to the treatment of injured athletes. He currently serves as team physician and Orthopaedic consultant to the Carolina Mudcats, the Advanced A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians Major League Baseball team; medical director and orthopedic consultant to the Louisburg College Athletic Program, medical of the Barton College athletic program, adjunct clinical professor at Marietta College, and team physician Orthopaedic consultant to several area high schools.

Dr. Galland has authored many book chapters and papers in sports medicine. His advice and consultation has been sought by world-class athletes of track and field and Major League Baseball. His passion for resolving musculoskeletal ailments and injuries in the most conservative manner possible puts all his patients in most capable and caring of hands.

Stay at Home Senior Care was founded by Deborah Bordeaux in 2003, and has grown to become a market leader. The agency is the hometown care provider for Wake Forest, and also has the honor to serve families in North Raleigh, Wakefield, Youngsville, Louisburg, Creedmoor and surrounding areas. Caregivers provide a wide array of services, from medication reminders and cooking to bathing and mobility assistance. With each relationship, the company’s mission is apparent – “to treat every contact as a friend, every client as family and complete every task with honor.”

The agency has received many accolades, including the Wake Weekly Best of the Best Award from 2011-2014, and the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award from the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Dingus has been the Family Services Director since 2007 and performs an in-home assessment to determine if a client’s needs require companion or hands-on/personal care. After the determination is made, she decides who will help support a client in their home. She will ensure that care plan needs are being met by Stay At Home. Kim is in charge of hiring new employees and conducts the orientation and training of caregivers, as well as their annual evaluations. She oversees all aspects of assignments and scheduling.

She has lived in Wake Forest for twenty-five years and enjoyed many active years with the Wake County Public School System and PTA. She is a Certified Companion Aide, a Certified Hospice Companion Aide, and has completed the Alzheimer’s North Carolina Course “Accepting the Challenge: Providing the Best Care for People with Dementia.”

Carillon of Wake Forest opened in July of 2014, and has become an active part of the Wake Forest Community. Mark Foreman has been with Carillon for almost ten years. Carillon was established in 1996 by Karen Moriarty and is a North Carolina born company based in Raleigh. Carillon is 20 communities strong, and Mark has opened four of these locations. Mark has known Wake Forest as home for the last 12 years.